Grübchen

Grübchen, also known as dimples, are small, visible indentations on the surface of the skin, most commonly found on the cheeks. These indentations are often more apparent when a person smiles or laughs. While the exact cause of dimples is not fully understood, they are generally believed to be a genetic trait. The prevailing theory suggests that dimples are a result of a minor variation in facial muscle structure. Specifically, it is thought that a small part of the zygomaticus major muscle, which is responsible for lifting the corners of the mouth when smiling, is bifid or split. This split muscle may attach to the skin, causing it to pull inward during facial expressions, thus forming the dimple.

Dimples can appear on one or both cheeks. If present on both, they are typically symmetrical, though variations in size and depth can occur. While often considered an attractive facial feature, dimples are a purely cosmetic phenomenon and have no impact on facial function or health. They can be present from birth or may develop later in childhood or adolescence. The visibility and depth of dimples can also change over time, sometimes becoming less pronounced as a person ages due to changes in facial fat distribution and skin elasticity. In some rare cases, dimples may also appear on the chin, known as a cleft chin, which has a similar developmental basis related to the underlying bone structure.